by Rob Purifoy

Created on: January 18, 2010

Public etiquette may not be so universal as a suit and tie or a handshake or bow when it comes to world politics, but rather it's based on general expectation of the populous. The  "when in Rome" effect may apply here and it's best to know your geographical surroundings when speaking of how one should act in public.

In this article I can speak only as an American in America and it may or may not flow into other geographical norms. As Americans go, we make up a wide variety of immigrants from other countries but more so we have a north/south, even four corners, difference in attitude, style, rhythm, language, walk, talk, and even socially acceptable etiquette.

One could put a far west, slow talking, Texan and a native New Yorker in the same room and they likely could not understand each others English. If they did at least understand each others words they would likely see one as rude, and the other as dumb- neither is the case however. This is an example of knowing who the other person is and attempting to relate and build rapport in some fashion.

Taking the Texas and New York example further, in Texas it's rude to answer a cell phone in a rester aunt while dining with others and let everyone hear the conversation. In New York it may be completely " mover and shaker" and acceptable of a person to do so. The interesting thing about etiquette is to know what to do and what not to do in the locale in which you are currently. Having said this, we now have a younger generation that sees texting as all the rage and it's not immune from any area of the US, and likely the world. It is rude to open up a cell phone and start typing at a dinner table or during interpersonal contact with others no matter where a person is, no question there.

General Rules:

Texting should not be outlawed unless driving, but the typer should understand that the real person in front of them is more important than the other texter and the real person should get priority attention.

Driving is another problem in todays society, it's becoming a selfish act. When turning, put the blinker on and let someone know what your intentions are instead of making them sit there waiting for you to pass only to turn at the last moment.

Hold a door open for the next person and thank the ones that do it for you instead of just walking on through. This goes for stores, offices and elevators etc.

Don't open your car door into another person car and write their car off as an inanimate object. Would you like me to come kick your car? It's the same thing. To some people cars are a drivable, expensive piece of art, don't disrespect a work of art.

Do not show anger in public, control yourself. No one wants to see a person beat their wife, slap their husband or yell at their kid(s) in public.

Put some clothes on. Don't go outside of your neighborhood and in public barefoot, in pajamas or half dressed. If your car breaks down, if you see a friend or client, or have to unexpectedly get out of the car you should be prepared for the worst. 

The above are just a few ideas but the message is clear, be courteous of others and respect yourself as it's the only way you'll get respect in return. This is not say that vanity will get you everywhere, but rather the recognition and acknowledgment of what is socially acceptable in the area in which you reside.

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